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First base to be revolving door while Hosmer's away

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By Dick Kaegel
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MLB.com |

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- With first baseman Eric Hosmer off to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, the Royals will be able to give Billy Butler more work at that position and test other guys over there as well.

Manager Ned Yost started Elliot Johnson at first base and also used Xavier Nady there on Thursday, and he said that Anthony Seratelli and Brandon Wood also would see time at first. But not Alex Gordon, who has played some first base in the past; he'll remain in left field, Yost said.

Johnson, a middle infielder, played left field in Wednesday's game. Yost is also going to try second basemen Chris Getz and Johnny Giavotella in the outfield.

"We just want to see guys to have an idea," Yost said. "Versatility is important. We had a time or two last year where late in the game we could've used them in those situations. So we thought we'd be better prepared by giving them some playing time out there."

Getz played some outfield in the Minor Leagues with the White Sox.

"It was great," Getz said. "I loved being out in the pasture."

Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.